Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill, second right, signs a contract for the paving of the Montego Bay Cargo Terminal, in Montego Bay yesterday. From left to right are Mervis Edghill, vice-president of engineering and development at the Port Authority of Jamaica, and Gerome Gayle, chairman and managing director of Tankweld Construction Company Limited. Assisting the Minister is Carrol Pickersgill. -Noel Thompson photoNoel Thompson, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE GOVERNMENT has signed a $64.2 million contract for the upgrading of the Mon-tego Bay Cargo Terminal.
Under the project, 27,000 sq. metres of the terminal yard is to be paved.
The contract was awarded to Tank-weld Construction Com-pany Limited, a Kingston-based firm, which was chosen from a field of 10 bidders.
Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, signed on behalf of the Govern-ment, while Mervis Edghill, vice-president of engineering and development, signed on behalf of the Port Authority of Jamaica.
AGGRESSIVE PROGRAMME
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Pickersgill said the project fell under an aggressive programme being undertaken by the Government through the Port Authority to expand and upgrade all public port infrastructure, which included facilities for domestic and transhipment cargo and cruise shipping.
"The Port of Montego Bay is Jamaica's second international public port and is essential to the western region's economic well-being. Last year, it accommodated 277 cargo vessel calls, handled 676,781 metric tons of cargo, had 111 cruise vessel visits and welcomed 189,761 cruise tourist," Mr. Pickersgill said. "It is estimated that within the next five years, the Port of Montego Bay will welcome some 200 cruise ship visits, bringing some 500,000 cruise passengers to these shores annually."
Asked what was the estimated financial spin-off that would be derived from these visits, Mr. Pickersgill replied: "It will be significant, but I can't divulge that at this time, but let's say millions of US dollars."
Yesterday's signing, he said, represented the first phase of the project to pave the total 100,000 sq. metres of the terminal area. Another segment will see a comprehensive refurbishing and expansion of the Port's Cruise Ship Terminal and berths. This, the Minister noted, would not only see the expansion of those facilities, but also their upgrading to world-class standards.
SECURITY
In keeping with the major focus on security in international maritime transport, the adoption of advanced technology security equipment and systems will be an important component of the Port's development programme.
He said preparations were well-advanced to commission a comprehensive security system there, some of which already exist. These include cargo x-raying machines, CCTV and underwater cameras.
"Two patrol boats are being deployed there and are being manned by the Jamaica Defence Force and the police will escort vessels in and out of the harbour. A military post is being established in the port and floating barriers are to be erected to create a security cordon four-feet high around vessels while in the harbour."
